Article handling apparatus



Feb. 18, 1947. J. 'w. ELDRED ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS.

FiledJax z. 12, 1946 10 sheets-she; 1- I ATmR/Vm Feb. 18, 1947. J. w.ELDRED ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS Filed 12, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 I N VEN TOR. Jo/m Wild/ad ATIDR/VEH ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 12,1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN Hill I76 INVENTOR.

John W f/drzd BY A T OPIVEKS' J. W. ELDRE ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUSFiled Jan. 12, 1946 10 fleet in 'i mama/rare John WE/drwd AWZZWEE Q w."E-LDRED.

ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 12, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet BINVENTOR. d n Wflama.

J; w. :Lnasb' 2,415,997 v ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS sued in. 12, 194610 sham-snare i I. Q

?atented Feb. 18, 1947 ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS John w. Eldred,Columbus, Ohio Application January 12, 1946, Serial No. 640,968

14 Claims.

1 My invention relates to article handling apparatus. It has to do, moreparticularly, with apparatus for handling glassware. It is esp ciallyuseful for removing glassware from automatic glass forming machines andtransferring the ware to a moving conveyer or some other support remotefrom the forming machine, although it is not limited thereto.

Various types of transferring machines are used in glass plants and havegreatly reduced the manual handling of the ware. Usually in associationwith an automatic forming machine of the intermittent' type, there isprovided a transferring machine of the Geneva drive or intermittent typewhich is synchronized with the intermittent forming machine. In fact,the transferring machine is usually driven from the same source of powerthat is employed for driving the forming machine. Due to the constantstopping and starting, with an intermittently operating transferringmachine power failures are frequent and the machine is frequently inneed of repairs and replacement parts. Also, due to the intermittentoperation,

a more complicated transferring machine has been necessary to obtain thedesired capacity. Because of the fragile nature of glassware, espe--cially after removal from a forming machine and before annealing, agreat deal of breakage occurs with the intermittent type of transferringmachine, due to jerking and vibration caused by the intermittentoperation. Also, since the ware isstill hot when removed from theforming machine, there is danger of deformation or distortion of theware by the jerking and vibration of the intermittently operatingtransferring machine. Furthermore, it is difiicult to time the operationof the intermittently operating transferring machine with the formingmachine and with a movable conveyer to which the were is to betransferred. In setting the ware on a conveyer which is intermittentlymovable, it is necessary that the timing be substantially perfect inorder to keep the ware from tumbling over. Also, if the conveyer iscontinuously moving there is danger of tipping the ware. For many years,there has been a need in the glass industry for a continuously operatingtransferring machine which would be satisfactory for removing ware froman intermittently operating forming machine and for placing it on amoving conveyer or stationary supporting surface.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a ,continuouslyoperating article transferring machine. which will be exceptionallysmooth in operation and will, therefore, handle the glass- .2 ware witha minimumof breakage or distortion of the ware.

Another object of my invention is to provide a continuously operatingtransferring machine which is especially useful in combination with anintermittent forming machine for transferring ware from such machine toa moving conveyer or stationary support remote from the forming machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a continuously operatingtransferring machine which may be of a light and compact constructiondue to its smooth operating nature and I though of simple constructionwill have a great ly increased capacity over prior art machines of theintermittent type.

Another object of my invention is to provide a continuously operatingtransferring machine which will remove ware from a forming machineanddeposit it on a supporting surface of a moving conveyer or astationary suppo t in such a manner that there will be no toppling overon such surface.

Another object of my invention is to provide a danger of the warecontinuously operating transferring machine which will remove ware froma. forming machine and will place it on spindles or in cups, with orwithout first inverting it, which are carried by a moving conveyer, thetransferring machine being so timed with the conveyer that there will beno danger of the ware missing the cups or spindles or being depositedimproperly thereon.

Another object of my invention is toprovide a transferring machinewhich, though being' con-- tinuous in operation, has certain advantagespossessed by an intermittent machine due to the fact that thearticle-handling units thereof have dwell periods at the takeout anddischarge positions of the machine.

' Various other objects will'be apparent as the description of thismachine progresses.

In its preferred form, my invention contemplates the provision of atransferring machine which is of a continuously rotating turret-type.This machine, for example, may be positioned between a forming machineof the intermittently rotating mold table type and a continuously movingconveyer. The conveyer may either be of a type which has a flat waresupporting surface, a type embodying a plurality of article receivingspindles upon which inverted articles are placed, a type including aplurality of article receiving cups, Or of other types. These conveyersmay be associated with a leer loader, a glazer, a burnofi machine, orother forms of machines used in the of these units may have mechanismassociated therewith for inverting the ware, during rotation of theturret, after it has been lifted from the forming machine and before ithas been deposited on the conveyer. Mechanism is provided for moving thearticle handling units vertically on the turret during the continuousrotation of the turret, so that they will remove the articles at onelevel from the forming machine and deposit them at another level on theconveyor. Theradially extending article handling units aremounted on theturret for swinging movement and limited radial extension in ahorizontal plane. Means are provided, in association with the turret,for controlling the swinging "and limited radial extension movement ofeach ar--.

ticle handling unit during rotation of the turret. This means providesfor a dwell period at the time the tongs of each unit move intoassociation with the article on the forming machine to grip it and atthe time such tongs move into association with the conveyer to releasethe article. The limited radial extension of each unit during rotationof the turret causes the article engaging tongs thereof to travel alonga true circle at all times.

Thus, although the turret moves continuously, it will operate properlywith an intermittently operating forming machine and with a continuouslymoving straight-line conveyer without breakage, distortion or topplingof the ware due to the provision of the dwell periods at the articleengaging and discharging points. It will also function with anintermittently moving conveyer or a stationary article receivingsupport. With the continuous movement of the turret, power breakdownsare less frequent and wear and tear on the machine is substantiallylessened since the machine is not subjected to the constant hammering,jerking and vibration caused by the continual starting and stopping ofthe intermittent type machine. Thus, I am able to construct a lighterand more compact machine due to the fact that the smooth continuousoperation eliminates the necessity of providing a more rugged and heavyconstruction.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference designatecorresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine constructed in accordancewith my invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of my transferring machine showingit disposed between a mold table of the forming machine and a conveyerfor receiving the articles in inverted position.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through the machinesubstantially along line 3-3 of Figure 4.

Figure 3a is a fragmentary detail in section of a portion of one of thearticle handling units.

. ing standard, the turret and one of the article .the air supply systemfor such unit.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of one of thearticle handling units illustrating the tongs thereof.

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line |0-l0 of Figure3 and showing the ware-inverting mechanism.

Figure 11 is-a transverse sectional view taken substantially along lineH-ll of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of i the ware-invertingmechanism.

Figure 13 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line Iii-I3 ofFigure 3 and illustrating the mechanism for raising and lowering theturret.

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along linell-H of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a view partly in perspective and partly in section showingportions of the supporthandling units carried thereby.

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic. plan view illustrating the operation of thecam mechanism which controls swinging movements of the article handlingunits, during rotation of the turret, to provide the dwell periods atthe article engaging and article discharging positions.

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view, mainly in section, illustrating theair control mechanism for operating the tongs of the article handlingunits.

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic plan view of the mechanism for controllingthe supply of air for operation of the tong units.

Figure 19 is a view mainly in side elevation, but partly in section,showing a different type of tongs which are adapted to be verticallydisposed on the turret.

Figure 20 is a side elevational View, partly broken away, taken at rightangles to that of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 19 but showing the tongs and theiroperating mechanism in partially opened positions.

Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21 but showing the tongs andassociated mechanism in completely opened position.

With reference to the drawings I have illustrated my glass transferringmachine generally by the reference character I in Figure 2. This machineis carried on an extension 2 of the base 3 of a forming machineindicated generally by the numeral 4. The forming machine 4 may be ofthe intermittently operating type and includes an intermittentlyrotatable mold table 5 which supports a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced mold units 6. The usual valve arrangement I is provided on thisforming machine for lifting the article 8 above the upper edge of themold into the takeout position, as shown in Figure 2. My machine I isadapted to engage and grip the article at this point, while the moldtable 5 is stationary, and to transfer it to the other side of themachine, through an arc of approximately 180 where it is deposited on aconveyer unit 9. With the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the article 8is also inverted before being deposited on the conveyer unit. Theconveyer unit, in this instance, is of a continuously moving typeconsisting of a plurality of longitudinally spaced spindle units carriedby a continuously moving endless chain I. Each'of the spindle units H]has a rotating article receiving cup l2 onits upper end. The conveyerunit 9 which is shown in this figure is part of a glassware glazer.However, it is to be understood that my machine is not limited in itsuse to association with the machines shown in Figure 2. i

which has a thrust bearing 34 associated there- The general structure ofmy machine is illustrated best in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. It consistsmainly of a base and supporting standard l3, a

rotatable turret |4 supported on the unit l3, a.

plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced articlehandling units l5 carried by the turret, and a cam unit l6 whichcontrols swinging movement of the article handling units |5 on theturret to provide the dwell" periods at the takeout and dischargepositions.

The supporting base and standard unit |3 comprises a substantiallycylindrical housing |1 having an inwardly tapered upper end portion 1 8.

' to the post I9 is a, sleeve standard 2| which extends for the greaterportion of the height of the post and which has its lower end supportedby a thrust bearing 22 that rests on the socket member 20. A large gear23 is keyed to the lower end of the sleeve, This gear 23 is'engaged by adriving pinion 24 (Figures 3 and 14) which is carried by a drive shaft25 that projects into the housing H. The shaft 25 is rotatably carriedby a bearing sleeve extension 26 of the housing and is connected to asuitable source of power. The shaft 25 will be continuously driven andwill rotate the sleeve 2| continuously.

Surrounding the sleeve 2| is a second sleeve 21 which has its lower endkeyed in a central sleeve 28 formed in the upper portion |8 of housingl1. The sleeve 2| will be free to rotate within the sleeve 21, butrotation of the sleeve 21 relative to housing H is precluded. Disposedin surrounding relationship to the sleeve 21 is a third sleeve 29 whichis slidably mounted on sleeve 21 but will be prevented from rotatingrelative thereto, It will be noted that the sleeve 21 terminatessubstantially midway of the height of the sleeve 2| and the upper endportion of the sleeve 29 is made of increased thickness so as .toprovide a shoulder 30 which will contact the upper end of sleeve 21 andwill limit downward sliding movement of sleeve 29 on sleeve 21.

In order to adjust the sleeve 29 vertically, telescopically relative tothe sleeve 21, I provide a pair of jackscrews 3| which are provided onopposite sides of the sleeve 29 at diametrically opposed points. Each ofthe jackscrews 3| is vertically disposed with its axis parallel to theaxis of post |9. The lower end of each jackscrew is reduced and isrotatably supported in a bearing with. Each jackscrew extends upwardlythrough the top of portion, l8 of the housing and to a pointsubstantially level with the top end of sleeve 21. The threaded upperportion of each screw 3| extends through a threaded sleeve 35 that isnon-rotatably carried by a large collar 36. The collar 36 is disposed insurrounding relationship to the reduced lower end of the sleeve 29 andserves tosupport the sleeve. It will be apparent that when thejackscrews 3| are rotated, the collar 36 and the sleeve 29 carriedthereby will be moved vertically relative to the sleeve 21, dependingupon the direction of rotation of the jackscrews. Thejackscrews arerotated simultaneously by means of the mechanism shown best in Figures13 and 14. This mechanism comprises a transversely extending worm shaft31 which is rotatably mounted in bearings carried by housing N. Thisshaft has a pair of worms 38 keyed thereon which engage the worm pinions33 keyed on the lower ends of the jackscrews. The shaft 31 may berotated readily by means of a handle 38a which is keyed on the outwardlyextending end thereof.

The turret 4 is supported for rotation with the sleeve 2 As shown bestin Figures 3 and 8, the turret is provided with a centrally disposcdsleeve 39 which surrounds the sleeve 2| and is splined thereto so thatit can move vertically on the sleeve 2|. The sleeve 39 has an integraloutwardly projecting annular supporting shelf or table 49. The sleeve 39and table 40 are supported on the upper end of the sleeve 29 by means ofa thrust bearing 4| which iscarried on the reduced upper end of thesleeve 29. Thus, the sleeve 39'will rotate with the sleeve 2| relativeto the upper end of sleeve 29. Furthermore, it will move vertically withthe sleeve 29 when such sleeve is adjusted vertically by means of thejackscrews 3|.

As previously indicated, the rotatable turret l4 carries a plurality ofradially extending circumferentially spaced article handling units l5.In the machine shown, I have illustrated four of these units, but it isto be understood that this number can be varied. The article handlingunits |5 are illustrated best in Figures 1, 3, 3a, 8, 10, 11, and 12. Aspreviously indicated, these units are carried by the turret in such amanner that swinging movement horizontally and limited radial movementis permitted during rotation of the turret.

Each unit l5 consists of a main casting which has a fiat base 42 ofsegmental outline. The base plate 42 (Figure 15) has a substantiallystraight outer edge 43, but the plate is greater than a semicircle. Itis provided with a reduced guide boss 44 which rests on the upper flatsurface of a casting 45 and fits within and cooperates with a segmentalguide flange 46 which also extends through an are greater than asemicircle. The flange 46 is formed integral with and projects outwardlyfrom the casting 45. The casting 45 is rigidly secured within asegmental socket of proper complemental size and outline which is formedin the edge of the table 40. It will be apparent that the base will befree to rotate within the guide flange 46.

The casting 42'has an integral horizontally disposed radially directedsleeve 41 (Figures 8 and 15) formed integral therewith and projectingupwardly therefrom. The sleeve 41 is further provided with an upstandingcylindrical extension 48 on its upper side. The sleeve 41 has and isprovided with an inwardly extending integral shaft portion 58 which iscarried by a bearing structure disposed in the rear end of the sleeve.The rear end of the sleeve is closed by a cap 52 which carries afluid-seal 53 that is associated with the shaft 58. The shaft 58 isprovided with a fluid passageway 54 extending therethrough whichcommunicates at its outer end with the chamber 55 within cylinder 49 andat its inner end with a chamber 56 formed within the cap 52. The upperend of the chamber 56 communicates with a passageway 51 that extendsupwardly through the cylindrical extension 48 on sleeve 41. Fluid issupplied through passageway 51, chamber 56 and passageway 54 to thechamber 55 from a source to be disclosed hereinafter. The shaft 58extends within cham-' ber 56 a substantial distance so as to permitaxial movement of cylinder 49 while still maintaining communicationbetween the inner end of pas- As previously indicated, it sometimes isdesirable to invert the article during rotation of the turret. Thepinion 18 forms a part of this inverting mechanism. The pinion 18 iselongated and is disposed within the sleeve 41 for radial movement withthe cylinder 49 with which it is integrally formed. The mechanism forrotating the pinion 18 is illustrated best in Figures 10, 11 and 12. Asshown in Figure 10, one side of the sleeve 41 is provided with avertical slot 11 in which a rack-bar 12 is mounted for verticalmovement. This rack-bar 12 engages the pinion 18 and passes through anopening 13 formed in the base plate 42 and through a central opening 14formed in the casting 45. This opening 14 serves as an additionalcentering and pivoting means for the plate 42 and cooperates with adownwardly extending annular guide flange 15 formed integral with plate42.

The lower end of the rack-bar 12 is provided with a horizontal extension16'which carries a downwardly extending pivot pin 11 that is disposedco-axial with cylinder 18 into which the lower end of the rack-barextends. This cylinder 18 has a flange 85 on its upper end which isbolted by means of bolts 88 to the lower surface of casting 45. Thecasting 45 is provided with a centering shoulder 8| for cooperating witha recess in the upper end of cylinder 18 to center it co-axial with theopening 14. The pivot pin 11 on the lower end of the rack-bar extendsinto a ball bearing 82 carried in the upper end of a will cooperate withthe cam unit [6, in a manner to be described later, for controllingswinging movement of the article handling unit I5.

8| which is shown best in Figures 8 and 15. The

cam structure comprises cam blocks 62 and 68 which are secured to theupper surface of a plate 84 that is secured to the top surface of aflange 85 on adjacent cylinder 18 which extends outwardly beyond theedge of table 48. The cam blocks 82 and 68 are so shaped that theycooperate to produce a cam groove 86. The cam groove has an outline of aspread V with its vertex inwardly. In other words, it has a mid-portionthat is closest to the axis of plate .42 and end portions which extendoutwardly farther away from such axis. Cooperating with the cam groove68 is a follower in the form of a roller 81 mounted on a vertical axis.This roller 61 is carried on the outer end of a radially extending arm68 which is mounted for sliding movement in a radial slot formed in thelower surface of the plate 42. The arm 68, adjacent its inner end isprovided with an upstanding integral fork .69 which extends behind thecylinder 49 and which embraces the shaft 58. It will be apparent thatwith this structure, when the base plate 42 is rotated within guide 46the arm 68 will be swung laterally, causing the roller 61 to move fromits innermost radial position to different positions in the cam groove86. This will move the arm 68 radially in the plate 42 and, thereby,move the cylinder 49 axially outwardly due to engagement of the fork 69with the inner end thereof. Inward axial movement of the cylinder 41occurs when the roller 61 moves the arm 68 inwardly, due to engagementof the fork 89 with the forward end of piston 83. Thus, the rack-barwill be rotatably connectedato the piston. The piston includes adepending guide sleeve 84 which extends through a central opening in thebottom of the cylinder 18. The lower end of this sleeve 84 has acrossshaped slide member 85 which slides vertically in a cross-shapedguide slot 86 that is vertically disposed, and is formed in a member 81which has its upper end attached to the lower end of the cylinder 18.One of the horizontal arms of the slide member 85 carries a cam followerwhich is in the form of a roller 88 supported for rotation on ahorizontal axis. This roller rests on a cam track 88 (Figure 3) whichextends helically around the sleeve 29. The cam 89 is supported on thesleeve 29 rigidly by means of a sleeve 88 which has its lower endresting on a shoulder 8| of the sleeve 29. The sleeve 88 is preventedfrom rotating on the sleeve 29 by being keyed thereto. The jackscrews 31extend loosely through openings formed in the cam so that the cam maymove vertically with the sleeve 28 when it is adjusted.

It will be apparent that with this rack and pinion structure, when theturret rotates, the roller 88 of each of the article handling units willtravel on the inclined cam 89. This will produce a vertical movement ofthe cross-shaped guide 85 in the slot 86. However, this structure willprevent swinging movement of the member 85 about the axis of member 84.Thus, there will be no danger of misplacement of roller 88 from the camtrack 89. The piston 83 will also be moved vertically, thereby causingthe corresponding vertical movement of the rack-bar 14. This, in turn,will cause rotation of the pinion 18, and, consequently, of the shaft58. Downward movement of rack-bar 12 will be insured by a top section89a on the cam track 89, which is parallel to the bottom section andextends partway around the sleeve 29. which engages the top side ofrollers 88. If it is desired not to use the tong rotating structure, therollers 88 may be removed from the various units, or suchstrucelongated.

Each cylinder 49 carries an article gripping tong structure. Thisstructure is'illustrated best in Figures 1, 3, 8 and 9. The tongstructure is carried by a plate 92 which is bolted to a periph-- eralflange 93 on the outer end of the cylinder 49. This plate 92 has acentral opening in which a. piston rod '94 is slidably mounted. Theinner end of the rod 94 has a piston 95 clamped there on and whichoperates within the cylinder 49. The plate '92 is provided with anoutwardly di rected extension 95 and the outer portion of this extensioncarries a pair of cooperating tong jaw carrying members which are in theform of bellcrank levers 91. These bellcrank levers 91 are pivoted, asat 98, for swinging movement in a horizontal plane towards and away fromeach other. The outer end of each member 91 carries an article engagingtong jaw 99 which is fastened to member 91 by means of bolts, one ofwhich has a cushion spring I associated therewith to permit firmgrasping of the glass article without injury thereto. The inwardlyextending arms IOI of the bellcrank levers are forked to receive blocksI02 which are carried by a pin I03. The pin I03 is fixed in the outerend of the rod 94 and the blocks I02 are rotatably carried thereby. Thepin I03 extends on opposite sides of the rod 94 and its opposite endsare attached to a pair of tension springs I04. The inner ends of thesprings I04 are attached to anchor pins I05 which are disposed at"diametrically opposed points on the plate 92. The rod 94 is providedwith a guide portion I06 which slidably fitswithin a guide slot I01formed in the outwardly projecting portion 96 on the plate 92.

The tongs will function as follows: Air supplied into the chamber 55will control movement of the piston95. The tongs will be spread apart,as shown in Figure 9, when the piston 95 is in its outermost position asshown in Figure 8, due to the fact that the rod 94 will push the pin I03 outwardly causing the blocks I02 toengage the bellcrank levers andswing them outwardly about pivots 98 away from each other. When thepistom 49 returns to its original position, due to the venting ofchamber 55 and the action oi springs I04, the pin I03 and the blocks I02carried thereby will move inwardly, swinging the article gripping jaws99 towards each other. Thus, air pressure will serve to spread the jawsapart while spring pressure will serve to move them together intoarticle gripping position.

With the tong units just described, the article will be gripped when itis in a vertical position as shown in Figure 1. If the machine isprovided with the rack and pinion inverting mechanism, the article willbe inverted during rotation of the turret. However, it sometimes happensthat it is desirable to provide a tong structure which will always bevertically disposed and will grip the article from above and hold it ina pendant position without inverting it during the rotation of theturret. For this purpose, the tong structure just described can bereplaced with a tong structure of the type disclosed in Figures 19 to22. To remove the original tongs unit, it is merely necessary todisconnect the plate 92 from the cylinder 49 and to pull the piston outof the cylinder.

The tong structure shown in Figures 19 to 22 comprises a verticallydisposed cylinder I08 which has an extension I09 thereon that isprovided with a flange H0 which may be bolted to the flange 93 ofcylinder 49. The cylinder I08 has a vertically movable piston IIIslidably mounted therein and this piston has a depending hollow pistonrod or sleeve. II2. A tong sup. porting member H3 is secured to thelower end of the cylinder I 08 and serves to close said cyl-i inder. Therod II2 slides in an opening provided in this member I13 centrally ofthe cylinder. The member H3 is provided with a. pair of depending guidearms II4 which have the vertically extending guide slots pin H6.Pivotally supported on the pin H8 in an X arrangement-are a pair of tongjaw carrying levers H1. The outer ends of these levers carry the articleengaging Jaw members H8.

The opposite ends of the levers are bifurcated and receivetransversepins II-9 which-are car-' ried on opposite ends of a cross-armI20. "The cross-arm I20 is carried by the lower end or the piston rodII2. A compression spring I 2| is disposed within thesleeve H2 and hasits lowfi end engaging a block member I 22 which mounted for verticalsliding movement in the cross-arm I20. The pin II 0 extends through 8vertical slot I23 in the cross-arm I 20.

With the piston I II in its uppermost position indicated in Figure 19,the cross-arm I20 will be in its uppermost position. At this time, thespring I 2| will be compressed and will serve to force the pin H6 intothe bottom end of the slot I23 in the cross-arm I20. However, the

there is no separation of the jaws II8 until the pin v4 I6 strikes thelower ends of the slots I I 5, since the pin II6 will still bemaintained at the,

lower end of slot I23 by the spring I2I. However, as soon as the pin II5 reaches the lower ends of slots II5, the-crossearm I20 will continueto move downwardly relative .to the arms H4 and, therefore, the pin H5will move into'the upper end of the slot I23 in the cross head, as

shown in Figures 21 and 22. Downward movement of the cross head relativeto the pin IIB will swing the jaws I I8 away from each other, due to thefact that the bifurcated ends of the levers II1 will be swung downwardlyaround the pivot H0. The control of air supplied to the cylinder I08 maybe accomplished by mechanism tobe described later. a

The air system for controlling operationof the tong units of the variousarticle handling units I5 will now be described. This system isillustrated best in Figures 3, 3a, 8, 17 and 18.

The upper end of each of the cylindrical extensions 48 of sleeve 41(Figures 3, 8 and 1'1) is reduced and fits tightly within a collar I24.The collars I24 are carried by an annular support I25 which surroundsthe sleeve 39 and which rests on a shoulder I26 formed on-the sleeve.The member I25 is keyed to the sleeve 39 and is adapt; ed to movevertically therewith. A can I21 is provided on top of the collar I24 andis suitably II 5 formed therein. These slots II5 receive the .ends of aguide and pivot 11 bolted thereto. This cap has a chamber I28 formedtherein with which the passageway 51 in extension 48 communicates. Theupper reduced end oi member 48 is rotatable within the collar I24 so asnot to interfere with swinging of unit I5. Within the cap I21 afluid-tight seal I23 is provided in association with the upper furtherreduced extremity of member 48 in such a manner as to permit thisrotation without leakage from chamber I28. Resting on the upper surfaceof member I25 and being rotatable therewith is a disk-like member Iwhich surrounds the sleeve 2| and which also rests on the upper end ofthe sleeve 39. The member I30 is splined to the shaft 2| so that it willrotate therewith but will be free to move vertically with the sleeve 36.The member I30 has a plurality of radially extending air supplypassageways I3I, one being provided for each of the units I5. The innerends of each'of these was sageways I31 communicates with a verticalpassageway I32 whichhas its upper end connectedto an-annular chamberI33. This chamber is formed by the cooperation of a collar I34 with theupstanding sleeve I35 formed on member;

I30. The member I34 is attachedby'bolts to a non-rotatable bearingsleeve J36 (Figure '3) which is splined on theupper end 01' post I9 forvertical movement and which ro stably receives the upper endoi thesleeve M. A ring I3'I is bolted to the 'annular'shouider I36 on theouter edge of member I30 and overlaps a peripheral flange I33 on thelower edge oi collar I34. Thus,

7 the member I30 may rotate relative to the-stationary member I34.Topermit this rotation without leakage of fluid from chamber I33, an

annular fluid-tight seal I40 is provided between the lower part ofmember I34 and the central part of member I30 and a similar seal "I isprovided between the upper part of member I34 and the upper end of thesleeve 35 of member I30. A vertical passageway I42 formed inmeiilber I34supplies air to the chamber I33. A con duit I43 (Figure 3) is connectedto a suitable source of air pressure and is connected to the upper endof passageway I42.

' Each 01' the air supply passageways III in member I30 isconnected bymeans of a line I44 to a control valve I45 carried -by brackets I46(Figure 17) which are secured to the member I25. The control valve I45is, in turn, connected by a line M1 to the chamber I28 at the top of theextension 48 of member 41. The control valve I45 includes the supplychamber I48 connected to line I44 and to line ;I4'I.' It also includesan exhaust chamber I49 which is vented to the atmosphere by a vent I50.A poppet valve I5I isslidably mounted in the valve casing and has ahead. I52 which will cooperate with a seat I45 is open due to the factthat the end of the stem is in engagement with the periphery of the pinI54 and does not extend into the notches I56.

At this time, air will flow from line I44, through chamber I45, aroundthe valve I52 and the adjacent reduced part of the stem, into line I41and from the line I" into the chamber I28. Flow of air to the dischargechamber will be prevented by the large part of the valve stem. From thechamber I28, it will flow through the passageway 51, through chamber 56,through passageway 54, into the chamber 55 where it will force the tongoperating piston 95 outwardly. This will open the tongs. When the pinI54 is rotated so that the outer end of the stem of valve I 5| is forcedby the compression spring I51, disposed withln chamber I48 and inengagement with the head I52, into one of the notches I56, the valvehead I52 will be seated on the valve seat I53. This will interrupt flowof air from the line I 44 to the line I". However, air from line I4Iwill vent from the line through the valve,

around the reduced part of the valve stem into chamber I49, and thenthrough the vent I to a valve seat I6l in association with an openingI62 extending therethrough. A ball valve I63 is disposed in chamber I60for cooperation with the ball valve seat I6I. Air under pressure flowingfrom valve I45 through line I41 will unseat the ball valve I63. Airexhausted from cylinder chamber through line I" will tend to seat theball valve I63. However, to prevent seating of the valve 9. setscrew I64is threaded through the bottom 01 the valve up through the chamber I66and through the opening I62 so that it will engage the ball. Theamcunt'oi air returning 'back past-the valve I63 can thus be regulated.

The screw I54 may be adjusted to such an exflljtent that the tongs willmove together slowly into gripping relationship to the article so as toprevent iniury to the article.

It will be apparent that to operate thetong unit disclosed in Figures 19to 22. a valve must be 5:

provided for controilingthe supply of air to and exhaust of air fromeach end of the cylinder. One air line I65 (Figure. 19) will beconnected to the top of the cylinder while another air line I66 will beconnected to the bottom of the cylinder. One of these lines, preferablythe line I65, will be connected to the control valve I45. The other ofthe lines I66 will be connected to a control valve I45a (Figure 17)Which.is a duplicate of the, valve I 45 and which will also be connectedto line I44 as indicated by the dotted lines in Fi ure 17. Thus, airwill be supplied to and exhausted from each end of cylinder I06.Furthermore, the closing movement of the tongs will be cushioned by thevalve I58.

The cam unit I6 for controlling swinging movements of each of the unitsI5 on the turret I4 is illustrated best in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 16. Thisunit comprises a large stationary cam disk I61 which is greater indiameter than the table 40. This disk I6! is non-rotatably supported bythe sleeve I36, it being provided with a central opening so that it canhe slipped downwardly,

over the sleeve I36 into engagement with a flange I66 carried on thelower end of the sleeve and upon which it rests. A cam groove I69 isformed in the disk and is adapted to receive and guide the rollers 60carried on the rocker-arms 58 of the units I5. The cam groove I69 iscontinuous and it is therefore necessary to provide the cleats I70 whichare fastened to the inner and outer sections be desirable to move of thecam disk and maintain them in proper relationship. The cam groove I69 isof an outline which will be discussed more specifically hereinafter.

Carried by the cam plate I61 is a pair of triggers Ill (Figure 4) whichare adapted to engage and rotate the starwheels I55 carried by the upperends of the pins I54. mechanism is illustrated best in Figures 1 to 7inclusive. Each of the triggers IN is in the form of a verticallydisposed pin which is mounted for adjustment in an arcuate slot I12formed in the cam disk I61. The slots I12 are concentric with the camdisk. The pin I1I is clamped to an arcuate plate I13 (Figure '1) bymeans of a clamping knob I14 which is threaded on the reduced upper endof pin I1I that passes through an opening in the plate I13. The late I13is provided with a pair of arcuate slots I15 atits edges which areconcentric with the slot I12 (Figure Guiding bolts I16 extend throughthe slots I15 and are adapted to be positioned in any of the openingsI11 formed in the cam plate in arcuate rows of spaced openings, the rowsbeing directly beneath the slot I15. The knob member I18 has ahorizontally disposedsleeve I18 secured thereto. This sleeve I18 has ascrew I19 threaded therethrough. The screw I19 is rotatably carried by abracket I 86 in such a manner that axial movement thereof is precluded.The bracket I80 is carried by the cam disk on its upper surface. Thescrew I19 may be rotated by means of a knurled knob I8I.

It will be apparent that if the screw I19 is rotated, the plate I13 willbe shifted about the axis of the cam disk. Binding of the screw I19 inthe sleeve I18 will be precluded due to the fact that the bracket I80 isattached to the cam disk by a vertical pivot I82. The bolt I16 willguide movement of the plate and the pin I1I will be shifted to differentpositions along the slot I 12. For greater adjustments'of the pin Ill,it may the bolts I16 to a diiferent pair of openings I11.

The shape of the cam groove I69 is illustrated best in Figure 16. Aspreviously indicated, it is desirable to swing the units I5 about theirpivot axes P during rotation of the turret I4. The rocker-arms 58 of theunits I5 extend substantially at right angles to the radial axes of theunits I5. The turret It will rotate and since the cam disk I61 willremain stationary, the rollers 68 operating in the cam groove I69 willswing the units I5 horizontally about their pivot axes P.

The cam groove I69 is so shaped that a dwell period will be provided atthe point A, corresponding to the article takeout station, and a dwellperiod will be provided at the point B, corresponding to the articledischarge position, as indicated diagrammatically in Figure 16. In otherwords, although the turret is continuously rotated, the outer ends ofthe units I5, which carry the tongs, will remain substantiallystationary for a short period at the points A and B. This isaccomplished by having the'cam groove I69 of the outline shown in Figure16. The cam groove I69 is in the form substantially of a distortedellipse. On opposite sides of the major axis of this ellipse, there isprovided re-entrant sections I83 and I84. The innermost point I85 on thesection I83 is slightly behind the point A. assuming the turret to berotating in a counterclockwise direction. Also the innermost point I86of section I84 is slightly behind the discharge point B. Furthermore,the points I85 and I86 The trigger and the pivot axis P are on oppositesides of the ellipse.

As the turret minor axis 01' the I4 rotates relative to the cam diskI61, the roller 60 of each unit I5 will travel in the cam groove I69. Atthe ends of the elliptical cam groove there will be some swinging of theunits I5 about their pivot axes P due to the fact that the end sectionsare not concentric with the axis of the turret, but this movement willonly be minor. However, as the roller 60 of each unit I5 moves into there-entrant cam section I83, movement of the inner end of the unit I5 isretarded relative to the outer end. In other words, the tongs Will reachthe takeout point A before the roller 60 reaches the innermost point Iof this section of the cam. As soon as the roller 60 passes beyond theinnermost point I85, the inner end of the unit I5 will travel ahead ofthe'tongs or outer end of the unit. In other words, the roller 60 willpass beyond the point I85 while the tongs will remain substantiallystationary. However, as the roller 68 moves out of the re-entrantsection I83, the outer end of the unit I5 will begin to move up intoradial alignment with the roller. As the unit I5 approaches thedischarge point B, the same action will take place in connection withthe re-entrant cam section I84. In other words, during a completerotation of the turret, each unit I5 will approach the article engagingposition A where the outer end of the unit, or the tongs, will first beadvanced relative to the inner end and then retarded relative to theinner end, so that the tongs will remain substantially stationary duringthe time they are operated to engage the article. Then, before thecomplete rotation of the turret occurs, the unit I5 will approach thearticle discharging position B Where the outer end of the unit, or thetongs, will first be advanced relative to the inner-end and thenretarded relative to the inner end, so that the tongs will remainsubstantially stationary during the time they are opened to release thearticle.

It will be apparent that due to the provision of the reentrant sectionsI83 and I84 of the cam groove, it will be necessary for the units I5 tobe radially extensible, since it is also desirable that the center 0 ofeach of the tong structures will always move along a true circle C, asshown in Figure 16. For this purpose, the cam groove 66 and cooperatingroller 61 on each of the units I5 is provided. This arrangement roller68 enters into either of the re-entrant sections I83 or I84, the roller61 will be moved into one of the outwardly extending end sections of thecam groove 66. This will increase the distance between the center 0 ofthe tong structure of the unit I5 and, consequently, will maintain thecenter 0 on the circle 0. As the roller 60 passes the innermost pointI85 or I86 of the re-entrant cam section, the roller 61 will move intothe other outwardly extending end of the cam 66. When the unit I5 is inexact radial position. the roller 61 will be at the mid-point orinnermost point of the cam groove 66.

Rotation of the turret also will close and open the tongs as previouslyindicated. The tongs will close and engage ,the ware at the point A andwill open and release the ware at the point-B. The proper timing ofthese actions. is accomplished by accurately positioning the triggerpins I1I. One of the pins I1I will engage the starwheel I55 of one ofthe units I5 as the tongs thereof reach the article engaging position Aand will, therefore, cause the air toexhaust from the tong cylinder issuch that as the grip the and will then swing around with the tur-.

, turret and II to permit closing of the tongs. It will be understoodthat, as previously indicated, the starwheels move along with the turretwhile the trigger's lll remain stationary with the cam disk N51. Theother of the pins ill will engage the starwheel of such unit l5, as thetongs thereof reach the article releasing position B and will,therefore, zgpply air to the tong cylinder 49 to open such ngs.

The operation of the entire machine will be apparent from the abovedescription. As-the turret rotates, the tongs of the successive units IEwill dwell at the article takeout position above a mold 8 on the formingtable, will be actuatedto article 8 while the mold table is stati nsrret until the discharge station B is reached. At this station, thearticle gripping tones of such unit II will dwell over article will bereleased therefrom at the instant a cup moves therebeneath to receiveit. Then the tongs will swing around again to the takeout position.During the rotation of the turret, the tongs will be rotated around theradial axis of the unit I, if the inverting mechanism is employed. The

associated units maybe adjusted vertically in accordance with the levelof the forming machine and the size of the articles.

It will be apparent from the above description that I have provided acontinuously operating article transferring machine which will beexceptionally smooth in operation and will handle glassware with aminimum of breakage and distortion cf the were. This machine isparticularly useful with an intermittent forming machine although it isnot limited thereto. The machine may be 01 a light and compactconstruction due to its smooth operating nature. Although it is ofsimple construction it will have a greatly increased capacity over priorart machines oi! the intermittent type. with this machine, the articlesare engaged without fail at the takeout position and are deposited onthe conveyer without danger of missing the article receiving member onthe conveyer or without danger of the ware toppling over on a waresupporting surface or the conveyer. Although my machine is continuous inoperation, it has certain advantages common to intermittent machines,but without the disadvantages of such machines.

Other advantages will be apparent from the preceding description and thedrawings.

Having thus. described my invention what I claim is:

1. Apparatus for handling articles comprising a movable support, meansfor continuously moving such support, an article handling unit carriedby said support, said unit being pivoted intermediate its ends to saidsupport, an article engaging member on one end of said unit. said unitbeing extensible to vary the distance oi said article engaging memberfrom the pivot point of for swinging said unit on said support about itspivot during the continuous movement of said support to cause the end ofsaid unitwhich carries said article engaging member to stop at aselected station while the opposite end of said unit continues to movealong with said support. and means for extending said unit in timedrelationship to said swinging movements to cause the article engagingmember to move along a selected path relative to said continuouslymoving support regardless of the swinging movements of said unit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said the conveyor unit 9 andthe handling unit carried structure.

id swingin means comprises a stationary cam structure supported inassociation with said movable support and a cam follower carried by saidunit and engaging said cam structure, and wherein said unit extendingmeans comprises a cam structure immovably carried by said support and acam follower carried by the unit at one side or the pivot point thereofand engaging said cam structure.

3. Apparatus for handling articles comprising a rotatable support, meansfor continuously rotating such support, a radially extending article bysaid support, said unit being pivoted intermediate its ends to saidsupport, an article engaging member on the outer end of said unit, saidunit being extensible to vary the distance of said'article enga g memberfrom the pivot point of said unit, means for swinging said unit on saidsupport about its pivot during the continuous rotation-oi said supportto cause the outer end' ci -said unit to first advance relative to theinner end of said unit and then to be retarded relative to the inner endof said unit thereby causing the article engaging member to stop for aperiod during the continuous rotation of said support, and means forextending said unit in timed relationship to said swinging movements tocause the article engaging member to move along a selected circular pathrelative to said continuously moving support regardless of the swingingmovements of said unit. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein saidswinging means comprises a stationary cam structure supported inassociation with said rotatable support and a cam follower carried bysaid unit and engaging said cam structure, and wherein said unitextending means comprises a cam structure immovably carried by saidsupport and a cam follower carried by the unit at one side of the pivotpoint thereof and engaging said can 5. Apparatus for handling glasswarecomprising a supporting standard, a turret rotatably mounted on suchstandard. means for continuously rotating said turret, a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced radially extending article handling unitscarried by said turret, each of said unitsbeingpivoted intermediate itsends to said turret, an article engaging member on the outer end or saidunit, said member being mounted for movement radially of said unit,means located at plurality of stations around said turret v for swingingeach of said units about its pivot during the continuous rotation ofsaid turret to cause the article engaging member to first advancerelative to the inner end of said unit and then to be retarded relativeto the inner end of said unit thereby causing said member to stop for aperiod during the continuous rotation of said support, and means formoving said article engaging member of each unit radially of the unit intimed relationship to the swinging movement of said unit to cause thearticle engaging member to move along a selected circular pathconcentric with said standard regardless of the swinging movement ofsaid unit.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said swinging means comprisesa cam track structure supported non-rotatably by said standard inassociation with said rotating turret, a rockerarm carried by each ofsaid units adjacent its inner end, a cam follower carried by each ofsaid rocker-arms and cooperating with said cam track, and wherein saidmeans for moving said article engaging member of each unit radially thecam track in said comprises a cam track immovably carried by the turretadjacent the at the outer end thereof and cooperatingwith said camtrack.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein disk is of substantiallyelliptical form but has a re-entrant section V-form with its vertexinwardly.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 adjustment, and provided for adjustingsaid turret and vertically.

10. Apparatus according to ciairn 7 wherein the article engaging membercomprises article gripping tongs, each of said units" including a saiddisk cylinder and piston for operating said tongs, and means forcontrolling the supply of fluid to said cylinder in timed relationshipto the rotation of said turret.

5 cylinder andpiston 0 radial axis of ture associated actuating saidstructure during rotation of the turret, said means comprising astationary cam carried by the standard non-rotatably 5 14. Apparatusaccording to claim 7 wherein 0 comprising a plurality of jackscrews JOHNwtELDRED.

5 REFERENCES crmn The following references are of recordin the" -file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

